Which concept refers to meeting current human needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs?

The concept that refers to meeting current human needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs is sustainability. Sustainability emphasizes a balanced approach to consumption and resource use, ensuring that the environmental, social, and economic systems remain intact for future generations. It involves an understanding that the resources we utilize today should not be depleted or degraded in a way that hinders the ability of future populations to sustain their own needs.

In contrast, equity relates to fairness and justice within societies, growth typically refers to economic expansion without necessarily considering its environmental or social implications, and development often concerns progress in social and economic terms, which can sometimes overlook sustainable practices. Therefore, sustainability distinctly encapsulates the essence of responsible resource management aimed at future viability.